Rescue helicopter airlifts injured motorist

A motorist who suffered apparent head injuries in a single-car crash on Interstate 5 near Smokey Bear Road late this afternoon was transferred to a rescue helicopter that landed on the freeway, briefly shutting down the northbound lanes.

Traffic northbound on the interstate was stopped to allow for the Los Angeles County Fire Department rescue helicopter to land near the crash sight.

“We received word of an auto collision and someone was airlifted,” said department Inspector Quvondo Johnson.

Shortly after 4:15 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers received a tip about a motorist involved in a single-car crash in the northbound lanes. The good Samaritan reported the victim suffered apparent head injuries.

Within two minutes of receiving the report, a rescue helicopter was dispatched.

CHP officers were asked to shut down the freeway to so the craft could land.